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the 3rd floor

we have a 3rd floor on our house.

i love going up there because my creativity gets swirling.
i dream up all kinds of things we could do with it.
would you like to see it?

i thought so.

to get there we have to through lauren's bedroom…no easy task most days.

on this day talby was in search of her summer clothes.

(click on any pictures if the words are too small)

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when you get up the stairs it opens into a small room
and on the left there's a doorway to a big room.

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there is a roughed in…something.

could be a closet or a bathroom someday.

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this is the view looking into the big room.

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four years ago when we came through this house i WAS IMMEDIATELY IN LOVE!!!
i kept my composure all the way though…until the third floor.
our realtor wasn't with in the room us and i looked at craig and said "I LOVE THIS HOUSE!"
the third floor sealed the deal.

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i was too scared to open that box.
when craig did…i ran to other side of the room.
i've seen The Money Pit where the raccoon jumps out…i was not going there.

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i walked across the room and took this picture looking back towards the stairs.

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this room has been so many things in my day dreams.
so my question to YOU is….

what would you do with this space?

i am sure i could find a BIG prize for someone that can 
find a way to get a design show or magazine to come here 
and renovate this for us!!
come one ladies…who do you know?

Crystal - Looks like 3 options here…..first you could make this your photography studio/craft room. You could get all sorts of cool backdrops, props & lighting! second option would be to make it a playroom/hangout room for the kids. Lots of storage for toys and bean bags, big comfy chairs, tv with video games….just think of the quiet you would have in the kitchen if all the kids were on the 3rd floor! third option would be to make this Lauren’s room if she doesn’t want traffic coming thru her bedroom to get here. Then you could turn her room into either the craft room or playroom, and turn your current craft room into a guest room. Oh, I wish I had as much space as you!

Liz - Excuse me while I HYPERVENTILATE. Oh my gosh. Can you just make that into an apartment and I’ll come live up there and babysit for free? Thanks.
Seriously, in my dream world I’d make it over into a big study/library. Lot’s of bookshelves. Squishy chairs, big desks with great lamps. But that’s just me.

Aubrey - I don’t know what to do with it but sit up there and look out the window and dream. Make it the retreat space.
Now I want to see pictures of your Silence of the Lambs basement. For real. 🙂

carrie - Oh My! I LOVE this space… so many possibilities. My husband–builder extraordinare– would go nuts. I’m thinking: private-womanly-spa-room. 🙂 But spa or not definitely a painted black floor. 🙂 Love your blog.
Peace- Carrie

kasey - well, once you find someone from a design team, then send them my way when you’re done.
i love that room……
how perfect to start from scratch..

Amber - Can I move in? I love love love your house! I have always dreamed of a home with a third floor… that’s magical!

Alyssa - WOWZA!! i didn’t think your house could get any better!!

Sarah @ Thriftydecorchick - OH MY goodness…I have dreams about finding a room just like this hidden in our house and I find it and I SQUEAL. I’m not kidding. Those are some of my best dreams. Oh, I would looooove to have this space. Looks like it has great light too. I would make it a total kid hang.

Starnes Fam - Oh, dear. I don’t have any connections and your design elements far surpass what I would suggest. I do love the previously mentioned idea of a library.
And, those windows are to die for. My husband and I are renting a 30 year old house in KC (moving tomorrow from Denver) as a trial to see how we acclimate to smaller closets and smaller bathrooms b/c we want to buy a much older home when we finish this lease. LOVE your house and it’s very much like what we want. We’ve always built or bought new…..so I’m anxious to see how this next year goes.

Kristin - Your home is completely lovely. You have a wonderful style so fun, yet comfy and relaxing too. You extra room is so much fun. I think that the imagining of what a space can be is almost as fun as the finished project. I would think some sort of family hangout theater are would be wonderful with cozy nooks by the windows, and comfy chairs. I can’t wait to see what you end up doing with the space in the future. Thanks so much for sharing.

Lynette - I just came across this blog this evening and immediately thought of you and your attic dilemma. Maybe it will give you a couple of ideas…
http://patternoflife.wordpress.com/2009/04/22/attic-remodel-almost-complete/

evan - I know noone… but that space would be so cool turned into a treehouse-type hideout. that’s my idea. 😀

Sara - I would either make it an awesome guest suite and turn the smaller room into a bathroom or make it a media/theater room. I think those floors would look cool painted black. 🙂

renee' - i love this room, boy would that be fun. how old is your house. it could make a great guest room.

Mod Girl - Check out this gorgeous attic remodel! I thought of your space when I saw it…
http://patternoflife.wordpress.com/2009/04/22/attic-remodel-almost-complete/

Trish - umm… let me just say, “WOW”
What a fun house you have!
I would think a guest suite, or a entertainment area complete with a HUGE screen for all of your movie enjoyment and games… I’m sure since there is two rooms you could do a guest room and an entertainment area!
Wowzers, I wish I was in your dilemma right now!

Brooke - Your house rocks!!! There is nothing better than an old house…with all its quirks and charm. Love it, show us more!!!
It would be a great kid space…no one would see the mess! A charming master retreat…but I would hate to be a flight above my children. An incredible guest area. What ever you do it will be fabulous I am sure. Keep us posted!

Teresa - hmm I’m not sure what you could do. But one thing is for sure, you’ll have to give Lauren a new room. I doubt she’d be too happy about people going through her room and up into the third floor :X

angela - Craft room. OH. I Love It So!

JerriR - I would love, love (oh I already said that) to have Candice Olsen from Divine Design to do my basement but since she’s in Canada, well…but maybe if she has two jobs here in the States, yours and mine, she would come!! Oh the possibilities for the 3rd floor!! A girl can dream.

Ashley Ann - I was envious of your house before, but now it is beyond coveting. So jealous…so much you could do. I love it. Could you fit a family of 6 up there? We’ll move in.

Allikayes Mama - Ah! Am I a big nerd for feeling excited jitters for when you will share what you do?! Yeah…I have loved your house from the time I found ya in blog world…and now the 3rd floor…I will continue to live through you…while living in my townhouse! hehe! Hurry and finish it all pretty like you do!!

Rach - I agree. The 3rd floor would have sealed the deal for me too!
If it were mine, I would turn it into an art studio complete with a darkroom and a huge table in the middle so I can actually spread out my projects and work standing up and not bent over on the floor breaking my back.
You are so fortunate… and so busy so I imagine you won’t be able to get to it until at least half of the kids are out of the house and in college. Please tell me you are never moving from that house!! It is heaven.

Christine - i would make it into another living space, one that didn’t have to be kid friendly.
like a nice media or games room or a library.
I would put window seats along those gorgeous windows…especially if it was a library.
You could put up framed pictures of your children’s art work to keep forever, as i’m sure you run out of space (even the area you have now) to showcase them.
I like the idea of a grand master suite but i think i would be tempted to make it a “quiet space” for everybody.
A retreat space. a place for bible study, reflection, a place to keep your treasures….
a place to dream.

Carrie - OK, here goes.
I say you put Lauren in your current bedroom and make that your and Craigs area. What a great little “retreat”. The big room could be the bedroom, the little room and reading/craft/relaz/whatever you want it to be room.
OR
You could let me move in up there. I love to cook, and I find comfort in doing laundry. please! 🙂
Good luck!

Sara - I LOVE looking at this site. I visit it almost every day. I went to preschool in this house. I remember the inside quite vividly. Although it looks so much better now than back in the day. The basement was too scary back then and I was convinced the 3rd floor was haunted. I still have dreams about it. It looks much more pleasant in the pictures, excpet for the mouse pee. HA

MGF - Got no ideas but defiantly want to see the finished project.

Colleen - Perfect place for a new craft room or office. White Bead board and a super cottage-y feel would be so neat. Love the windows but without the woodgrain look. I would paint it all white and accessorize with color and add in built-ins. Is there room for a bathroom?
Fun to have options isn’t it? 🙂

adrienneK - wow! talk about room to grow!!!

Staci - Ooooh! The possibilities! I canNOT wait to see what you do with it!!!! LOVE IT!

Aby - OMG!!! What an AMAZING space!! I’m so jealous!!!! I’ve always loved, loved, loved your house… now I can’t even put into words how much I LOVE it!!!! What I wouldn’t do to have one like it!!! Too many ideas swirling through my head for what to do up there… I wouldn’t even know where to begin!!! You could always turn it into a place for me!!!! I’m ready to move in!!!

Lori Danelle - I just read the comment on a photography studio. . .I think I would give my left arm (if I didn’t need it for my graphic design work, which I’m not willing to give up!) for a studio space. . .. But looks like the difficulty is Lauren’s room below. . .any other options for where she is located? and is she willing?
I desperately wish I had an empty room that I didn’t know what to do with!!! (small house in the middle of the city. . .sigh.)
http://loridanelle.blogspot.com

Lori Danelle - Love the third floor!!! Oh the possibilities!
I feel like I should know where your house is. You’ve shown pictures of it from the outside and I keep taking a tour of the town in my mind trying to place it. Unfortunately, it’s been a few years and my memory isn’t so clear on the fine details of my hometown’s architecture. . .
http://loridanelle.blogspot.com

Karina - I just LOVE LOVE LOVE your house. It makes me want to paint mine in bolder colours…or, heck, just to sell up and find an old mansion somewhere…I checked out my local listings and even the ramsackle ones are too expensive. Bummer.
I think of two designers I love: Candice Olsen and Sarah Richardson. They both have tv design shows, but I’ve only ever seen them do one room at a time – I bet when they get through with a room, the owner is depressed about the rest of their house!!
I immediately think of myself when I see your third floor – STUDIO!!! Reading room!!! Escape space with comfy chair and cat!!! Spare bed for guests…or just naps for me. Thank you for letting us dream…

Joanna Peck (Jodi) - Okay, We lived in a victorian with a 3rd floor for about 4 years and then we sold it. KICKING MYSELF! :0( Anyways, I have 4 kids and we had so much extra junk up there……where is all of your JUNK?? Or am I the only one who won’t part with my junk? Anyways, We always wanted to put our 2 girls up there with there own bathroom, to get them away from their little brothers! I never could think of being up there (master suite) without knowing what is going on with the kids downstairs!!

Sarah - I would DIE for a 3rd floor. I would do almost NOTHING with it…clear out the junk, paint the floor with a white enamel, or carpet them?, paint the walls anything, and just let it be fun, free space..maybe a comfy chair. Then you could use it for anything…a playroom, guest room, craft room, kids home from college with their friends room…I AM JEALOUS!

Laura - IT IS OBVIOUS!!!!!!!!!!!! MY FAMILY CAN LIVE UP THERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Serioulsy…it is bigger than my entire home!!!!! Please, oh please, let us move in!!!!!!!!!!!
think about the CAKES I would bake for you….

j.o. - This is one of my favorite posts ever. What great spaces you have.

Nessa Dee - I’m green with envy right now. This would be the ultimate play space for kids. I can see a craft corner with a huge table, cork and chalk board walls, and tons of storage. And, oh the plays that will be acted out in the theater section, with a trunk full of costumes to spark imagination. A reading nook with built-in shelves full of books and a big comfy chair to curl up in on rainy days. I can even cut out a little section for my easel and paint supplies. Hmmm, that sounds nice….maybe the space would be my ultimate art studio, and I could stick the kids’ playroom downstairs. Sigh.

Lisa - Hi Meg,
I read all of the ideas above and think they are wonderful. I was wondering how many bathrooms you have in the house? If you have one main that the kids use plus your master bath, one more might be needed. Eventually you will have 5 teens in one house and I don’t think 2 bathrooms will be enough. That said I think switching rooms with Lauren and turning the 3rd floor into a mommy and daddy retreat would be fantastic. You said the windows are what made you fall in love with the place so why not wake up every morning to them? The space is big enough. You could make Lauren’s room into a lounge / reading space. I don’t know that making Lauren’s room a pass through would go over very well. The other option is to use the “Reading” bedroom you recently did as Lauren’s new room and turn the 3rd floor into a great hang out space for your kids. Play area, movie area, the possiblities are endless!
Take Care,
Lisa

Liz - What a gorgeous house you have!!!
I think that space screams Master suite!!!! You could put Lauren in the master now and make her room into an office/sitting room.

Sophie - If that was my house, it would be MY place. I’d have my stuff eveyrwhere and I’d be able to decorate and furnish it however I wanted.

Courtney - I know you already have a craft room, but this CRIES creative space! You could always turn it in to a guest room that’s super dreamy too– or swap the two rooms.
I want your house, or at the very least to live near you and actually know you personally so I could help 🙂

mary dyer - it’s the third eye of creativity space
how awesome!
whatever it will be , i know it will be amazingly fun!

Kim - I am so jealous. Sooooo jealous. Your house is amazing. And I think your 3rd floor might be bigger than my little house. The windows leave me speechless!
Have a great weekend!

traci - man that’s a lot of space up there. oh the possibilities. you have my mind spinning now. i would probably claim a good chunk of it for myself – i’m kind of selfish that way. big comfy reading chair with a vintage floor lamp and lots of books. or your studio – creative or photography. so many options.

wendy - Oh I definitely think it needs to be a teen room. Love that idea. Then later you can turn it into something more useful for you. Kids need that space to have friends over. Your house will be the place to be.
If you don’t hear from anyone, I would contact all those shows myself. Just jot off a quick email with a link to this post. Easy peasy.

Lyndsey - Wow, I continue to be amazed with how beautiful your house is! It almost makes me want to move away from the land of million dollar dual properties in San Diego to beautiful homeland Kansas!

deb meyers - Share!
a retired professor and his wife at my college in Chicago had a similar space, they filled it with twin beds (not much STYLE, but hey, YOU could fix that) and girls the age of their youngest daughter, who stayed over the summer to work in the city, bunked there. Or if you were a guest you could flop for the night (me : ).
Sleeping there felt like the orphan scene in “Annie” but it was good and lovely, not cruel and cold! They always had hot waffles going for breakfast, a professor to talk to, and the dear wife who was supportive and fun …
deb meyers

Heather - After seeing what you’ve done with the rest of the house, and especially your master bath I don’t think you need any help. You have done an amazing job with that house. I want you to come help me with mine!

Elisa - I would have to be selfish and say a studio.
I am so stinkin’ jealous of your house!!!!!!

Anna - I like the ideas of a master suite and a large craft room/studio…however, as a parent I would be kind of nervous being upstairs at night when all of my children are below me. Also, you already have a pretty awesome craft room.
A family here in my town purchased a very large home…much too large for themselves. But their reason for doing so was a selfless and wonderful idea. On weekends part of their home was a small “haven” for pastors and their wives to come and relax and be surround by tranquility and a calm atmosphere. It gave them the opportunity to slow down, spend time with each other and with our Lord. Pastors from all over the US come to their home.
You could add a bathroom up there possibly even a small kitchen area and make it like a relaxing spa/hotel room getaway. I think a bed and breakfast type thing would be too much work for you. But when it isn’t being used by guests you and Craig could have your own little escape place 😉
Just think of what you could do as far as decorating. You could use scripture in frames or perhaps written right on the wall. You could fill a bookshelf with inspirational books. I am thinking whites and other soft colors as well as towels and fluff…oh and candles.
Like I said though, a master bedroom and craft room are also great ideas. I don’t know any one here in Missouri considered “famous” on this scale…sorry 🙁
Can’t wait to see what you go with. I can’t believe there is a whole other floor. So neat!

Becky - I don’t have any new ideas, the ones posted here all sound good! Just wanted to say thanks for posting the pics. I love your house, and have always wanted to see the inside, so thanks for showing it off! Have fun deciding! I’m sure whatever you choose will turn out fabulous!

Andrea from Orlando - I wish I was your friend so I could come and raid your old stuff! I am working on a baby room…love the white dresser!
I am with your though. Its a blank canvas for sure. I am sure you will figure out what to do with it:)

sandy toe - so fun..a craft room…or guest quarters…or MY room!
sandy toe

pve - I would make it into a fab “parents” love lounge with a huge built in window seat, with book shelves, and make it a place that the Momma’s and the Poppas would want to go to “Hang out” – read, and listen to music. No tv, no computer, just a room with comfy love seats and framed love letters, your photos full of love-
Of course, being a little selfish, I would swipe one of those hotel signs that reads, “do not disturb” Oh, I just woke up from my dream.
Nah, I think it would be my art studio.

Sandy - You’ve been holding out on us! Your house was amazing before the third floor and now….it’s…super amazing! I see why you fell in love with it!

Heidi Jo the Artist - You already have a craft room, so next in line for me would be a library with lots of bookshelves and comfy chairs. And lots of plants too, there is a lot of great natural light up there! It will be fun to see what you decide to do with the third floor, your house is beautiful! I love old houses. We live in one too. 😉
Heidi Jo the Artist
http://swirlsofcreativity.etsy.com
Swirls of Creativity’s Purple Thursday ~ Every Thursday!
http://swirlsofcreativity.blogspot.com
http://greenresolution.blogspot.com

kristin joy - clearly if you made this into your master suite, you’d have to give lauren your current suite. then you could make her bedroom your sitting room of sorts…a place where mom & dad meet the kiddos. that makes your bedroom a real sanctuary…kid free. of course you could go selfless and make it a hang out room, but really–a teen hang out room needs to be a leeeeeetle bit more open. can you say makeout room? i am sure that’s not what you’d be going for. 🙂 perhaps a family library. i am a reading teacher, and i’m in favor of family libraries. 🙂

flutter - your house rules. that whole space should be your studio.

Donna - you have the MOST amazing house……….i just adore it. The master suite sounds like the perfect thing, however what about a space created for the kids. I have 6 kids and we had our basement finished so that they can hang out down there with friends. Your kids are still kind of young – except Lauren, but when they start reaching the teen years, you will want them to have their own space………….Have so much fun with that.

Mindy - First off, I would go read “The Saturdays” by Elizabeth Enright about a family of 4 children who have a delicious 3 story level. They actually don’t do much with their 3rd level in the book, but yours reminded me instantly of the book.
Next, I would ask Lauren what she thinks since anything done would be traipsing through her room to do it.
Next, get rid of the mice. Eeuw!
Add a bathroom.
Then, since one house I lived in growing up had some unused space, I would fill it with a pool table, games, books, dress up clothes galore, an old make up mirror that plugs in and lights up and has a switch that goes from day light to night light. And lots of boxes and nooks to be curious in.
Finally I would get a great, comfortable chair and sit next to those windows and daydream- during the morning when the light is mellow, in the rush of mid-day when you need a good daydream to revive, at night when the house is silent and you must visit during every rainstorm.
Um, can I come over?

Keri - Oh how I wish I knew someone. If I did I would have locked them in my house ages ago.
So…your third floor: the master suite idea sounds nice, except sounds like you’d be close to Lauren’s room. (Maybe not a bad thing with a teenager though!) Craft studio sounds awesome, too, but I know you have a craft room. Cool media room? Play room? Oh, the possibilities!!
Thanks for the tour. I just love old houses, and yours is fantastic! No wonder you fell in love with it.

Leah - Hmmm…I dont know what you should do with that room. Do you have a guest room? I’ll see what I can do regarding the decorating show thing…as if I have any connections. Ha! I think your in the same boat as me tho…we dont live in CA where most of the decorating shows are. Maybe Candice could come down from Canada? One last thing…ok…is Lauren not at all freaked out by the stairwell leading out of her room and into the scary third floor? I would pee my pants at night!

Mindy Harris - Lots of plants/art on the ceiling/twinkle lights.
Or a photographer’s haven/heaven.
Lovely, just lovely…
And the only person I know who would love to get her paws on the space is my sister, who has a niche for decorating (she would have a coronary if she saw your house), but, alas, she’s not affiliated with a magazine or show.
TLC, where are ya?

lisa (momy4him) - i have noticed that you are into photography- how about a studio? looking at those big windows you must get great light!

Jenny - Master suite?
Super cool craft area plus play room?

Amanda - Hmmmm? I’m thinking AMAZING Master Suite (but off Lauren’s room?? not sure that would work….play room/hang out room like the Pottery Barn magazines, with fun decor or big huge canvas poster-sized pictures…..OR your studio for a photography business!! I like my last idea the best!!

Emily@remodelingthislife - I love it! In our old house, a beautiful old victorian, the 3rd floor had been renovated into a master bedroom and bathroom and I LOVED it! *sigh*
But today if I still lived there, I am certain I’d have moved my bedroom to one on the 2nd floor and used that 3rd floor space as one big girly getaway for crafting.
Have fun with it, it really is beautiful!

meaghan easterhaus - someone said master suite…all the way! i’m so selfish! what a GORGEOUS space though!!! family room came to mind first, but you’d proabably hear a lot of noise downstairs, hmmm….another problem if it’s a master… ;-0

Jess - Oh, lucky lucky you! I ‘ve been wondering what was up there!
If it were my house, I too would love to have just a chill out room. Bookshelves full of books and games. BIG comfy chairs. Quite. Peace & Quite. That’s my dream anyway.

Amanda - Thanks for the tour! I love love love old houses and have always been curious what your third floor looks like. It’s much bigger than I imagined! So much potential.

elizabeth holder - it would be my scrap/ craft room – all to myself-
with a nice comfy couch, you can add a bathroom up there,
just think of what you could do with those windows? i am so jealous {in a good way}
we are actually thinking of buying an old house with an attic similar to yours just because I love old attics like that –
I can’t believe you aren’t up there painting, and fixing it up for your secret get away
I love it!!!!

emily :] - i love the attic :]
okay, buuuut i have a random question. not so random, but question.
my friend natalia fell in love with your photography skills & would love to have you do her pictures. she never actually got senior pictures taken when she was a senior. but i can e-mail details & of course she said she will pay you if you are willing.
have fun decided what to do with that fab space :]

Meredith - Oh, the luxury of space! I’d just turn it into a chill-out space with lots of bean bags and squashy chairs, books, boardgames etc. Whether it be for you or the kids, it’s such a luxury to have an ‘escape hatch’ in a large family. How much fun you will have deciding what to do!

Kate - OH! I so wish I knew someone! Okay, what about a picnic room. Each momth, a different kiddo gets rule of the room? They get to post their art, play their music and on Friday nights you and the hubby spend 1 hour with JUST them after the other kids have gone to bed – or maybe Sat mornings – whatever works…. Ha! Whatever 🙂 didn’t even plan thta pun. LOL.

melissa @ the inspired room - Holy cow. I adore that room! My third floor in my old house became my master suite, but I never got around to doing much with it since we moved. But now that you have your dreamy bathroom on the second floor, you maybe don’t need that. I would think either a teen hangout room (you are going to need that with all those kids) OR a room for YOU to escape to.
Love love love that you showed us around in great detail. I always think of doing that but I am too lazy. 🙂 And, my new house is not as cool as yours so no need. Eh hem.
🙂

Sara - OMW, I have always dreamed of a third floor, seriously. I live near Oak Park in IL and just love walking the neighborhoods looking at all the third floors and wondering what’s up there.
I think a 3rd floor master suite would be amazing. I also think a library or den would be cool…just a place to read or do your devotions with a good cup of coffee. Since I have 4 and 1 year-old boys, I also dream of big open spaces for playing (like the huge play rooms in the PBK magazines :-)).
Keep us posted – can’t wait to see what you do with it!

Mod Girl - Studio, studio, studio! That space is begging for creativity. {LOVE the floors!}

Kristen - Your house is unbelievably awesome. Loved the tour! 🙂

Cassie - OMG- You hit the Jack Pot with this house. I am an interior designer/architect and I could do a million things with this space it is insane! You are truly lucky you have an amazing old home with some awesome history I am sure. You have done a great job re-doing each room!

Patricia - it would so be my craft escape room.
and no one would be allowed up there except me.
but i would let someone come up if they were bringing me a nonfat, chai latte, extra hot.
i absolutely LOVE your home!!
blessings,
p.

Chasity - twirl.

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crafty crafts

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the craft room is overflowing with creativity.
i need to get back to it.

bye.

Amanda - This makes me want to learn to sew desperately!
Hope you are well…
God bless!
Amanda

Sarah - These pictures are so, so inspiring. My crafty life has been dormant recently, and these photos are just what I needed to get back on track.

Carrie K - crazy cool goodness!!
i hope you rocked all those amazing supplies

Kelly - That all looks luscious! I linked to you today. 🙂 Happy Sunday. Kelly

Heather Mattos - Wish I was there!!!

vicki - Pure love….craft on your Craftiness (a title reserved for only the craftiest of crafty people!)

amy d - holy moses! why did i go to hobby lobby today when i could of just wandered across the street to shop the craft room 🙂

Alice - you go girl.

Brindi - Lanny sent me over from her blog. I am glad she did. I am in love with Waffle.

Staci - YOU my dear are INCREDIBLE!!! I just can’t WAIT to see what emerges from that crafty craftroom 🙂

traci - you always have the most beautiful, colorful photos. i am always so happy when i see them. happy crafting!!

Tommie Jo - Don’t you just love having a place to create?! I’m drooling over the fabric you have~

Laura Phelps - AMMMMMMMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAZZZZZIIIIING!!!
OK You are my NEW favorite blog.
No prize. Sorry.
But still.
You are fabulous.

Tami Veer - I can’t wait to see what you make for Cora!! I will be first in line to buy it! Your colorful pictures have brightened my day!

katie - how do you keep your head from EXPLODING from all the crafty possibilities???

Laura - don’t know what you’re making, but it must be lovely!

Kelli Linkis - CANNOT wait to see what you make with the black polka dot cross fabric cut out I saw! Ooooh, hoping it goes on youth and adult t-shirts! wink- Is this the creative stuff to help Cora’s Playground? God Bless Ya!
Kelli <><< ps. Still need to know how many crayons to put into each letter shape to make the letter crayons. I bought the silicone molds, have my broken crayons ready to go... thanks! Kelli

Kyleigh - Ohmygoodness… you and your LOVELY depth of field… SUMPTIOUS photos as ever, sending big love over the pond, soooo sorry to hear about Cora, it broke my heart. The crafting idea is amazing! Good luck, here’s to many happy playdays in Cora’s Playground xx

Tami - Nice and colorful lol. Have a great Valentines Day!

pam - can’t wait to see what you make!!! xo

Shannan - I’m swooning over all of that fabric. Crafting is so cathartic.

AnNicole@OurSuburbanCottage - Oh my gosh! Look at all that amazing, delicious fabric (I think fabric is delicious). I’m so jealous. I can’t wait to see what you make.

Jenn Thomas - Is there any room left for you?? Next time I need a little something extra, I think I might have to walk down the street and look at your stash.

Lazy Mom Leslie - Can’t wait to see what comes out of there!

jimaiemarie - i ADORE that scrap of Amy Butler fabric in the 8th picture down! I can’t wait to see what you craft, i’m SO excited! 😀

Lanny Stanard - Can I come over and play? wow what fun! come on over and see what’s happening on my blog… Hmmmm, how can I get the Cora botton? please tell me I would love to do my part:)
bIg HuGs!

The Rauths - i am salivating….cannot wait to see more!

adrienneK - gush!!!
cant wait to see the end products!!!

kasey - looks great, and cant wait…

ang - I can’t wait to see what you come up with!!!! I’ll be ready to purchase!
Ang from NE

Julia - oh my gosh – my heart is racing after looking at those pictures!!!

Aubrey - Can’t wait to see all the results!
Suddenly feeling the urge to buy massive amounts of red and white pom pom fringe.

Kelly - so fun! Kelly

Kelly Horn - I love all the photos you take! I am becoming interested in photography, and would like to know what kind of camera, lens, etc..you use.
Thanks!
Kelly

Kelly Horn - I love all of the photos you take! Could you tell me what type of camera/lens you use? I am wanting to learn more about photography, and am needing some suggestions.
Thanks,
Kelly

danyele - i see super fun shirts and fun crafty things happening in there…super fun!

CathyC - I can’t wait to see what you will make. Your craft things look like a candy store! 🙂

Lauren - I want to buy whatever you make! Everything will be beautiful.

sandy toe - Okay..I need to run upstairs..b/c my daughter got a notebook almost exactly like that with all the ribbon…do you sell those? How funny!
-sandy toe

Beth Ann - I am excited to see what you create!!!!
I must tell you that a friend and I both read your blog. At first we referred to you as “Meg that whatever lady” and now we are on a first name basis – I just sent a text to my friend and it read “There are a bunch of people selling stuff on etsy and Meg is making some items to sell as well”. Laughing, because we have never met but are on a first name basis when refering to you!

Lori - Wow! Can’t wait to see what you make. I think I’d buy just about anything you made. I was looking through the pictures of your house yesterday (love it!) and wondered where you get all your bamboo blinds on the windows? Are they custom, or off the shelf? I was out of town when you posted asking for questions about you or I would have asked then.

Allikayes Mama - Sorry about the double comment!

Allikayes Mama - You better post when all that crafty is for sale!! I want to buy!! Yay!!

Allikayes Mama - You better post when you get those crafty things up for sale!!! I am wanting to buy!!! Yay!

Kendra - I love all of your beautiful patterned fabrics and ribbons. Where do you get all of those?
Love your blog!

CherryTreeLane - Good for you. That is what I should be doing….Instead I am going to sit on my toosh and watch a movie in the rain….

Gini - When I was scrolling through the pictures, I saw the second one and my first thought was – OMGOSH, that shopping cart is full of fabric to buy??? Then I realized it must be just a wire basket. You always make me feel like being crafty. I just need to add a couple 2, 3 hours to my day!

Beth - Oh my, all those delightful prints and patterns just make me want to dive in and be crafty too! My creativity is in high gear…I must make time!

Gwyn - I wish I could get my hand on that fabric and ribbon!!!!

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loving red

my eyes are always drawn to red.

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i changed a tiny bit in the entryway.
you probably can't even notice.
and that floor…i don't like….especially when i see it in a big photo…yuck.
i wish it were wood or covered in a rug.

i made curtains at my girls weekend when i made the matching lampshades.

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i cut them and sewed them there.
came home to hang them….they were WAY short!
i even said quite few times how they looked wrong but just kept sewing.
so….a half a yard of red velvet later….problem solved.

the entry way feels like a room now.

and my sister gave me the little bird hooks for my birthday.
yes…that was 5 months ago.
but i finally hung it up.  
i love it lorel!

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red makes me happy.
oh yeah….keepin' it real…one more time.

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here is what it looks like when the kids are home.

Anj - Thanks for keeping it real Meg! Love love love what you did. So pretty!!

Shutters Perth - I was very delighted upon going through your article that ponders me with bucket of productive and essential information. And I just admire your creatively personal touch for your home designs.

anna see - Wow! Oustanding job. It looks like a happy home.

Kristen @ More Than Mulberries - Came over from Kimba’s – I LOVE your mudroom!!! How great is that? (and how jealous am I? a lot) Red is one of my most favorite colors – it just makes me happy. Great job on those curtains too – so cute!

Misti of Studio M Designs - I’m a first time visitor, and love your blog. I am a major fan of everything red, and post about red all the time. You did a fabulous job on your room, thanks for sharing the “real” photo! Funny how crazy things get when the kids get home…
~Misti

natalie meester - Hee Hee Looks like my messy mudroom in the keeping it real phase@!
Love your posts

Kimba @ A Soft Place to Land - Hi Meg! I love your mudroom. The red looks fantastic.
I linked to it from my post today.
Kimba
http://asoftplacetoland-kimba.blogspot.com/2009/02/linky-love.html

Jess @ Just a Blink - Thanks for keeping it real!
The red is superb!

Jen - Looooooove it all!
♥Jen

Lauren - I love the last picture, which brings your awesome entryway to life. The red looks awesome, great work on the entryway, you’ve definitely got style.

patricia - Each and every time I come back here, I say stupid things like you made my day – but keepin it real, this time, your bit o red made my february.
You got heart!
pve

Dawn - I love red too. Just the littlest burst of it tucked in somewhere makes me feel happy. =)

Andrea - Oh YAY for “new red thing”. Love them all!

Linda@ Restyled Home - It turned out beautifully (of course) but I’m loving that final shot. Makes me feel at home…
Linda

Jen R - I love the red too…. that is how my house looks every day!

Patty - Your entry is so crisp and bright and WOW it’s lived in, too! Thank you for the organizing inspiration, but mostly for sharing that last photo! Have a nice night!

Shannan - 55 comments? Holy Moses. I am way behind here… I guess we are all loving the red. I am only recently learning to truly appreciate red, now that my Shabby Chic phase is finally fading into oblivion. Oh, I’m love little bits of black, too. Is that a little cubby-hole curtain I spy? Makes me wonder what’s behind it! Beautiful entry way for a beautiful home.

Taryn - My mom loves red too- she tends to buy a lot of red. I love your birds and your entryway. (And the keeping it real photo! It is nice to know that we are not the only messy ones around.)

Victoria - Ohhh I would be so happy walking into that entryway every day. 🙂 It’s beautiful and happy!

Chaos-Jamie - you made me snort my soda with that last photo! Looks just like my entryway at 3:32. (minus all the cute details)

Carla - Red is my favorite!
Your entry way looks GORGEOUS!
At least you “keep it real” is style, Girl!
That’s what I’m talking about.

Nina - oh yeah……I love red too!! Like you, it just make me happy. And can I ask you something…..how do you get your pictures so big on your blog??
thanks….

jimaiemarie - how much do i love you keepin it real??
THISSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS much!!! lol!!
i love your mudroom, it looks so cute!!!!

kasey@lolabboutique.com - what i wouldn’t do for an entry way with cubbies!
looks great.
xo

Nessa Dee - Love red! And love those curtains!! Beautiful mudroom!

Sara - I love your mud room!!!! Where did you find your fabric?It is gorgeous,also love your door.

Kim - Red is my favorite color – I’m thinking about painting our kitchen island red. Still trying to talk my husband into it!

Cecilia - Red IS a very beautiful color! Me, myself and I are having a pinkish-period right now. I love pink, and turqouise!
Love from sweden

Aubrey - Oh and where did you get those red buckets? I think I have a weakness for buckets. And I think I’m too weird.

Aubrey - Ooh–I love red, too. If I were you neighbor, I’d want to come and steal all that stuff–even your purse–except I’d leave all the contents. I’m not THAT psycho. Your house is so cool. My back entry opens right into the kitchen. Really. If you’re not careful or blind and don’t walk straight in you’d run into the table and sometimes my kids come rushing in so fast they slam the door into the oven door handle and stuff I have perched on top of the oven come crashing down. Maybe we should have moved to Kansas to get more house for out $$$. Or maybe I’ll win the HGTV house. big fat YEAH RIGHT.
Are you going to make cute red pillows or cushions for that bench under the window? Of course it’s fabulous the way it already is.

Anna - Can you please tell us where you got the red boots? I really want them…you know how I like red and white polka dots :o)

LuLu - Oh I am crazy for red too, I want your wellies- dang cute, and i am so glad to know that my kids are not the only ones who come home and dump their stuff! hee hee so thanks for keeping it real.
LuLu

Kate - red is one of those colors that just pops.
and makes you hungry.
*stomach growls*
but yeah, beautiful curtains, beautiful house even when the kid-nados (like tornadoes, except in kid form) attack.
-kate

Brittany - Thanks for a glimpse into your reality! I feel better now! But I LOVE the red as well!!! And the curtains look lovely!

Kelly - love the red, it’s gorgeous. and I love that you “keep it real” because I only have two kids and my house is a mess like that a lot!!

alyssa - my eyes are drawn to your house. Can we move in?

The Rauths - ooooooooo….eye candy! i LOVE red too! it just makes me happy! =) love your entry, too. that fabric is fabulous.

Mary Lou - What is it about RED??? I LOVE it too because…it reminds me of birthday party balloons, Christmas, happy flowers, etc. It’s just a happy color, it can’t help itself. : )
You did a great job on your red damask projects. The velvet border was a stroke of genius!

Katie - Love your curtains…especially with the red velvet on the bottom. Kind of a happy accident!

Staci - OH man do I love red too!!! You would LOVE my new stove that we are putting in our new house…it’s old, from England, old….and it is all garnet red and I think I’m naming her Ruby 🙂 I mean, seriously, do people really name their stoves?? I do. I really must have that fabric for something!!!! And oh yea…I love it when you keep it real 🙂 You make me smile so much!

Lee Ann - Love it all! I want a red laudnry/mud room. I saw a red and black one years ago and fell in love!

Lee Ann - Love it all! I want my new laundry/mud room to be red! I saw a red and black one years ago and fell in love.

Sandy - You make me laugh (thank you!) I love the red and beauty in your entry way – and even more I love your keeping it real pictures. Thanks for helping us to know we aren’t alone. 🙂

Mindy - I just found your blog this week and I am loving it! I have 4 kids so I love the keeping it real — instead of all those “fake” blogs who make their lives look perfect. Your red curtains are so gorgeous and I think they are better with the velvet!

Julia - Hi, I just found your blog – I love, love, love the pictures of your house. I’ve been wanting to get something from Tanya Whelan’s new line (I thought I recognized the red fabric as being from “Darla” – if not, it sure looks like it!). The curtains are wonderful. I just got a new red accent for my kitchen – red is really growing on me – http://www.flickr.com/photos/29635318@N07/3251338104/

carissa - FOR THE LOVE OF RED… i just love it!
the curtains turned out GREAT… that trim… perfect!
the funny thing… the polka dot red boots… the hot pink snow boots… the brown snow boots with pink trim… the exact same pairs are in our entry! 🙂 peas!

Heather - Love, love, LOVE your entry way! I fantasize about turning the laundry room into a kid-friendly entry with a bench and hooks . . . your “keeping real” photo reminds me that likely it’ll still be a bit of a disaster:)

Lisa - Hilarious! It’s so comforting to know that with your five kids and a dog, your house does get messy like the rest of us – phew *wipes forehead* I thought you were superwoman for a moment there. I still have my suspicions. I actually think you were meant to make the drapes to short. The red velvet makes them so interesting. I would totally by these in a store.
Take Care,
Lisa

Tracy - Red is my favorite color and I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE your curtains – the Red velvet just made the curtains PERFECT! See… you were supposed to mess up that way and make them too short so you could add the “real” finishing touches! Great job! :o) And I LOVE the fact that you “kept it real” as always – that’s what my foyer looks like always too between the kids and the dog! LOL Thanks again for sharing! Hugs, Trac~ :o)

Beth - You know it’s “wear red” day for women’s heart issue awareness?? How appropriate!

Cami - I so LOOOOVE the color red! Your house is awesome. I like the keeping real picture too!!

Heidi Jo the Artist - I loooove red too! I’m finding that is the one color in every room of our home. Thanks for sharing! You are definitely an inspiration to me. I especially love the curtains and what was a problem with them being too short became even more beautiful with velvet!
I also love to play shoots and ladders (we have the Sesame Street version) with my kids or any game for that matter. Playing with our children is very important, not only for our children, but for a parent to have memories too of having fun with the kiddos.
We’ll continue to keep Cora and her family and friends in our prayers.
Have an awesome weekend!
Heidi Jo the Artist
http://swirlsofcreativity.etsy.com
http://swirlsofcreativity.blogspot.com

Jennifer - Oh my gosh…. love it all! I have been addicted to red lately. And not the earthtone red… the bright-make-me-smile-‘cuz-it-pops red! Too fun!
I love the curtains… glad they were short because that velvet is the perfect touch!
Red smiles,
Jen

Trina - I love the perfection and I love the keeping it real.. that is life…. try for perfection but live in pic # 2 most of the time.. wow your curtains are fab!
I’d be happy living in that little mud room. xx Trina

Laura Phelps - thanks for the real life shot. I feel better now!

Gini - You’ll love brown eyed fox’s blog today then!!! Anyhoo – I have a fabulous blue handbag that is lined with a lovely red….love love love it!!!

Tracie B - I love your blog and I appreciate your “keeping it real photos” so much! It’s incredible important to be inspired by the small things in everyday. When you show us your mess after we’ve been looking at the rest of your fantastic photos, we can take that inspiration and leave the behind the all the pressure to live a “Martha Stewart Lifestyle”. Thanks.

Suzan Freeman - I found my way to your blog by way of the Sticklers blog. I LOVE the fabric you used for the curtains…just what I have been looking for for my kitchen. Could you tell me what the name of the fabric is??? Thanks so much for sharing a picture of your life.

betsy - And today is National Wear Red Day for woman’s heart disease awareness. How fitting!
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/educational/hearttruth/events/wear-red.htm

Emily - I love all the little touches of red and the bird hooks, anything with birds really. I laughed when I saw the brown suede boats, because my daughter has the same pair and they are laying on the floor in my mudroom as I type. Glad you kept it real!

Suzanne - love, love red!! my favorite color!! i even had two red cars…unfortunately, the first one was totaled by a man running a red light, the other we had to let go since we were growing out of room…hard to load kids in carseats in a two seater…
love the keepin’ it real photo! i have plenty that could rival it!
happy friday!

Lisa - The curtains are gorgeous and I love the keeping it real photos.

traci - love the red!!! so cheerful. cute curtains, i so wish i could sew!! that’s what my front porch looks like all the time, shoes and bags everywhere!!!

Rachel - This gives meaning to “a mother’s work is never done”…love the pics…especially the “real” one!

Arielle - Thanks so much for posting the “keeping it real” pictures. I LOVE blogland for all of the incredible inspiration it can provide, but it can also suck me into this distorted world where I start to think that messes don’t happen in other people’s houses and if I just worked a little harder my house would look like a page in a magazine all the time. I appreciate that you can blend insipration with reality. It’s more than inspiring, it’s downright encouraging!

Stacie - I LOVE that red purse!!!! And lovin’ the keeping it real photo . . nice to know I’m not alone 🙂

Rachel Berry - Okay Loving your entryway!! 🙂 Love the red and white so much and thank you for making me feel so normal. Our entry way is sadly enough our laundry room (old farm house) and when my kids get home from school or rooms look exactly alike!!! Sigh…. Thanks for a bit of normal. 🙂
r.

Alyssa - I love the red too…Love the curtains and I noticed them in the first photo in the cubbything. I think you can fix that floor up…..Your Meg….aka Miss Crafty…I am sure you can go into Mary Poppins craft room and craft it up with something.
Love the keeping it real photo. Thanks for making me smile.

beckley Vining - me, too. i threw what has become our definition of a party lat night and got out all my red stuff. it was fun. and the curtains? nice work. and i like the velvet. it anchors the fabric since you have the darker blind at the top. my opinion. and i think it looks fab. if we lived in the same area, i’d give you my jute rug with the red trim that i have no use for 🙂
but my main reason for visiting (aside from a common love for red and jealousy over your ability to make your own curtains!)—i think you said you are going to visit the Macs today? would you please hug them from milwaukee? we are praying. and loving. and hoping. and extending grace and peace to them in this time. maybe as some “wood for the fire.”
grace and peace.

Heather - LOL I adore the keepin’ it real pictures. Awesome. The red is so fresh.

Beth - that last pic still has me laughing. soooo true!

Alyssa - very valentinesyish! do you get tired of hearing how inspiring you are? i sat up and read some of your old blogs for hours last night! wierdo alert! kidding. really, you should have your own magazine. i love the lamb or donkey or whatever he was & the look on his face! i would never thought to put that into words, bravo! keep it coming!

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therapy

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this is art therapy.
i had planned on cleaning but suddenly painting this bathroom (after a year….click)
was THE thing i had to do.
right that minute! 
it was absolutely therapeutic.

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this is talby's dinosaur bus…i love it so much.  
looks like fisher price little people.
annie drew the emily cat yesterday while i was painting.
and i think sean made the tiger scratching the tree.  

lauren's OLIVIA is just perfect.  
she drew that free hand…amazing.

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while i painted i thought about all my friends who are hurting…
and i prayed for them.
it felt good to use my hands while i did it.

then today…some more therapy of a different kind.
cleaning, coffee and cupcakes.

i cleaned that bathroom….and it just felt good.
not good to start but so good to finish and have it sparkle and smell fresh?
maybe i am crazy?

coffee with a friend.
that's always good therapy.

and then i made cupcakes.
not to eat them….just to enjoy decorating them.

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i really didn't eat them.

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and happy mail.
that's a kind of therapy too right?
all this has come this week.

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the toddler bed i won from the 

i have no idea what to do 
with this right now.
so it sits.

and this package of goodies 
just to be nice.
i really love it all.  

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a blog reader/friend melanie sent me her hot cocoa machine!
(the same one i said i was wanting.)
she said she hardly ever used it 
and thought my kids would like it.
how cool is she?
thanks melanie…it rocks.

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i ordered fabric 
i found her through 
today's creative blog.
(or TCB as i call it)

she had heather bailey 
fabric for $6 a yard!

it is just 
BEAUTIFUL.

i want to wrap up 
and roll around in it.
or make a cape for my self…as Super Mama?
Queen of the Laundry?
The Caped Dishwasher?

i could wear knee high pink go-go boots too.

yes…i like that image.  

HA.

*************thank you for praying for all my friends.**********************

Alyssa - Ok, I didn’t read through these comments. But I hope someone awarded you the “coolest mom ever” award for that bathroom! You are so inspiring!!!!

pve - let’s get things first, erika sent me here, and I knew to listen to that smart cookie –
and then here I am in love with the super bowl extravaganza, not even a food fight and then what a witty and wonderful bathroom. must be fun getting clean in there.
you made me laugh – and waffle did too.
humor me some more, will ya?

sarah - Awesome bathroom. I love the Oliva Drawing Lauren did. Very talented.
Those cupcakes look delicious. Yum.
You should definitely make yourself a cape. You are one super mom!
I just read some about Cora, and my heart is aching for her and her family. I thought i was going to collapse into a ball of tears if I didn’t quit reading. It’s amazing how strong her parents are being and how they are rejoicing in the good. I can’t fathom having to watch my baby girl go through something like that. I’m not quite yet sure what I want to do for them, but want to do something. So, if you have information of where I can send something to, once I figure out exactly what that should be, please email it to me, thanks. stellajadedesigns@gmail.com
I’ll be praying for them…

Beckley Vining - it’s like you just reached inside me and touched the part of my soul that needed to meet another unique creative and lover of color. life has been too, too…uniform lately. so it’s fun to see your blog.
i’ll spend a little more time here when i don’t have the laundry and dish piles i do after a weekend untouched. although i’d rather paint something. like a bathroom. with a thousand little dinosaur villages…
i came to you via cora’s blog. i went to her through a friend’s blog’s prayer notice. i posted her on my blog, and then went to try to “know her parents better” by looking at what they like. we are in prayer for cora. all 4 of us. i wonder if you visit them again you might give them a hug from milwaukee? for miraculous healing, and grace-shalom-strength in the meantime.
thanks for posting on your blog, too. quite a movement of people praying for cora. as it should be. humanity at its design.
afterall, what’s a world with color if it doesn’t have the depth and breadth of life to illustrate?
thanks.

Victoria - I was having one of “those” days when I came to your blog this morning. Your bathroom and your colors a few posts ago really cheered me up.
I can’t believe your daughter free-handed Olviia! She looks perfect.
Thanks for being a cheerful spot today.

Tasses - For that Olivia picture alone, I am soooo adding you to my feeds!

kasey@lolabboutique.com - can you come play in my bathroom also?
xxoo

Emily - You must be such a relaxed mother to let your kids draw all over the walls. Love it! I love the polka dot curtains too. They are perfect! What kind of paint do you use?

susanne - i think that is about the coolest kids’ bathroom i have ever seen. so ‘real’.
and now i want cupcakes.

traci - I have been following and praying for The Macs due to you putting them on your blog. Thank you!! I can barely read or look at the pictures…it literally just rips your heart out and I find myself bawling at the computer. Then I have parents show up to pick their kids up (I have a sm. daycare) and I have to explain why I am bawling. Soooo, I just check the headline to get a brief update and PRAY!!! Sometimes God does not answer our way but I am believing and trusting that the Mac’s will have many more yrs with this piece of heaven!! Again…Thank you for sharing!!!!!

barb - loving your blog as always, and found ric-rac site via you! Funny how the blogging universe works….
forgot to say with my first comment how much I would like to see what photos you would come up with from travels around the world
also thinking of you and those families who are suffering now….I can never reconcile the suffering of children…
but then who can?

adrienne - Your creativity has inspired me. This is my second comment for you today… i hope you can stop by to see my “valen-tinys”.
http://adrienne-lol.blogspot.com/

Rachel - What a great idea to do to the bathroom walls…I love it…so much color and creativity!
The cupcakes…how did you resist?

Staci - I’m going to check out that fabric site 🙂 How cool is that girl (can’t remember her name…Melanie?) who sent you that hot cocoa machine! I love bloggy friends 🙂 And that wall….how awesome! Am praying for sweet baby Cora and your neighbor’s son. Happy Saturday…I’m glad painting, and baking…and coffee with a friend lifted you up!

Lazy Mom Leslie - Prayer makes the world go round. Most people just don’t realize yet. That’s OK I pray for them too! Love seeing the bathroom get painted! Your kids are going to remember that room for a lifetime!
http://www.lazymoms.com

Kate Eschbach - You got it. Prayers. Now.

Cherry Tree Lane - this was my favorite blog post that I have seen all day. Love the colors, bathroom, fabrics and cupcakes.
And, of course, I am still praying for Cora and family.

Gwyn - I awarded you a Kreativ blogger award. Come check out my post for details. http://www.mommydailyvent.blogspot.com

danyele - i have been absolutely heart broken and praying all the time for that sweet little baby girl…i just am eaten up with her pain…and yet, so thankful for the parents she has and that in spite of all that they face, they are seeking god and rejoicing in everything he is providing. so thank you for giving me the opportunity to pray for them.
as for your lot…i am thrilled to see the painting coming along. i don’t think i have the patience for it, but i’m glad you find therapy to do it! you are so funny!

danyele - i have been absolutely heart broken and praying all the time for that sweet little baby girl…i just am eaten up with her pain…and yet, so thankful for the parents she has and that in spite of all that they face, they are seeking god and rejoicing in everything he is providing. so thank you for giving me the opportunity to pray for them.
as for your lot…i am thrilled to see the painting coming along. i don’t think i have the patience for it, but i’m glad you find therapy to do it! you are so funny!

Randi - The bathroom is so neat … I love that you let the kids do that.

Lanny Stanard - Megan, You make me smile 🙂 one big 🙂 and a few tears too! your such a wonderful girl… God bless
Lanny

Erin - You most definitely should make the cape. And a matching drawstring handbag. My mom would make my sister and I dresses when we were little, and use the leftover fabric to make a drawstring handbag to take to church with us. We must be coordinated!
By the way, I really enjoy your blog. I’m originally from Nebraska, living in Spain. I feel like a stalker, but that doesn’t keep me from peeking in on your life. 🙂 So thanks!

Laura Phelps - I hate when I comment..and it disappears!!! where did it go? OK..try again…
Baby Cora’s cousin directed me to you….
and I am hooked
a new blog to be addicted to…love the color, creativity, sprinkles and kids
just fantastic
glad I found you

Laura Phelps - Baby Cora’s cousin asked me to pray for Cora and pass the word on my own blog…then she sent me your link, claiming you her favorite blog! (I tried not to take offense!!! ha ha!!)
well, oh great…a NEW blog to be addicted to!
just fantastic
the color
the creativity
the family
all good
glad I found you

Diana - Babar! I love it.
What a nice day. 🙂

Margaret - I really think you need to use fabric and make a quilt for Waffle and set it up for him on the Toddler bed a/k/a furry child bed.

Wendy - Have a wonderful weekend with your family Meg.
As always, I love your genius imagination. You are inspiring.

Wendy - Quirky, genius bathroom painting idea.
I have a hankering for a cupcake right about now.
Glad you were able to stop and think and pray for your friends today.
Enjoy your family this weekend.

Jess - Wow. You are an awesome mother. I have been looking at your blog all day. (again) I really needed to soak in all that color. It’s been so gloomy here lately.
I have been showing a lot of your pictures to my eight year old daughter and she said “it would be nice if you were her” I ask her what she meant. Her reply: “she’s just so creative and talented” I told her that is why I loved reading your blog. You have really inspired me, thank you.
p.s.
You should make a super cape; it takes super powers to make cupcakes and not eat one!!!!!

Jesse Peak - Paint is such therapy, just seems like it give you time to reflect and think and pray! Or at least that is always what I end up doing! God Bless you!

Amy - Hey Meg, could you please email me, I have a prayer blanket I made that I would like to get to Cora, can you get me an address to send it to? Thank you so much, you are a very inspiring person, thank you for encouraging me to be more. God Bless You! Amy

alyssa - The curious george is pretty good too.

MGF - Please make a super cape, I just got done making 16 capes for birthday party.

MGF - Please make a super mama cape, i would love it, since I just got done making 16 capes for a birthday party coming up.

katy - I’m feeling the same way today, have all day. I’m feeling horribly sad and thankful. Horrible because I’m so sad for several families that have sick children and thankful for the health of mine. It’s terrible as you know. I have been praying for Cora, she is one of the kids in my prayers as of late. I’m going to stop here b/c, well I am.
I love your bathroom and the way all of you participate with the decorating. I am also one to suddenly start painting a room or cabinets or a canvas when I’m in the middle of something…like laundry or cleaning. It JUST hits me. I painted my bathroom cabinets today, it helped my heart a little.
Have a great weekend.

Adrienne - This bathroom is amazing. Great vision! What did they draw the pics with?

Michelle - I LOVE all the color on your blog. Every day. It is always so cheerful, even when you are asking for prayers, which are easily and readily given, because you always ask so nicely.

Kate - oh my gosh!
you’ve got Babar on your bathroom wall!!!
i’m jealous. of that, plus the cupcakes.
mmm, cupcakes.

Trina McNeilly - Love this post as I always do… so colorful and happy and it is the simple things that bring so much joy.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR CUPCAKES……What kind of icing do you use or where did you find those lovely toppings? I can’t seem tof find good ones around where I live.
Praying for your friends with you!!!!!!
xx Trina

traci - wow meg, that bathroom is fantastic. what an awesome mom you are. the kids had to love that. they did such a great job. how fun!!! the goodies from princess lasertron look fun. have a great weekend.

carissa - been thinking of you lots…
big hugs…
we’re praying…
cape… go-go boots… sounds like a fun mom to me!

Patti - well, this post answered my question. i’m thoroughly impressed. love the art and it just pops now that it’s painted. well done!

Melanie - Any time Meg that you don’t feel like you are a good mom, you go into that bathroom and look around:) I am NOT the fun mom like you and would never let my son paint on the walls. It is so cute and Lauren did a great job on Olivia. I also love all the fabric even though I can’t sew a thing. I am glad that you like the hot chocolate machine. It made me happy to send it to you because I knew it would make you smile. (and you would use it:) lol

regina - cute and creative bathroom. When I was little my brothers and I were allowed to draw on the walls in the hallway b/c that week my parents were putting up new wallpaper (think in the 80’s)..we used sharpies,,not a good idea. it bleed through their new wallpaper!!
I love how creative and kid friendly you are throughout your house!!

Jamie - Wow! So many cool things here. I’ve never loved a bathroom so much. You’re such a cool mom.

Shannan - PS – I haven’t ever heard of reading my comment before I push “Post”, so…sorry.

Gwyn - That fabrick could make some ROCKIN aprons

Shannan - That is seriously one artsy brood you have! I love it! You should consider sending them out to bring home some bacon. Like a crafty Partridge Family. Or paintbrush wiedling Osmonds paint brushes.

Kelly - I used J Caroline Creative to order paper for wedding stuff. I was so happy with them. Yea!
How cool is Melanie?!
Yea for Lauren! What a great, great Olivia! What a fun bathroom.
You’re right, the feeling after cleaning a bathroom is quite wonderful.
You’re welcome for praying. Thank you for blessing us with the opportunity to draw near to our Heavenly Father. Sometimes when it’s hard to get in step for yourself it’s easier to draw near and pray for others.
Have a GREAT weekend! Kelly

Karen - Ok, where to start? The bathroom is GENIUS. I absolutely LOVE it. And i agree, the Olivia is perfect, as we are all sitting here RIGHT THIS MINUTE watching the new Olivia show (because my daughter is Olivia and we have read the books for YEARS AND YEARS) and I am looking right at her, Olivia the pig, on the TV and it looks JUST LIKE the one on your wall – so GOOD GOING THERE!!!
Now I going to order some fabric and make some cupcakes. Except….I am going to eat mine, because, after the day I have had, a cupcake or three is EXACTLY what i need. 🙂 Happy Friday!

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take that pottery barn!

i wanted to buy this wire card holder.

i really wanted it last year.  
then i saw it agin this year and wanted it even more.

but i just couldn't do it.
i love it though.

so i made my own card display.
i showed it a few posts back.

IMG_1612

it is nothing more than a roll of grosgrain ribbon, 6 thumbtacks. and 2 packs of mini clothes pins.
(all found at wal-mart or hobby lobby)

it is right inside our kitchen sitting area.
quite a conversation piece…everyone looking to see if they recognize anyone.

so take that pottery barn!

(please don't be mad at me PB….i will always love you…i just can't afford you…call me)

Andreza - LOVE your fall porch! You did a really great job! If I ever went trick or treiatng with my kids or walked by your porch I’d ooh and aaah to my kids about how cute it was. Great job!~Robin

Yungkyung - I get MSL (I think after blueprint got cleaeclnd? or maybe it was something more recent…) and I’m always amazed at her craft ideas. I always tag them but unfortunately never seem to get around to doing any of them….Maybe in my next life?!

Patio Accessories - Love it.

moncler switzerland - If you wish to be the best man, you must suffer the bitterest of the bitter.

Cheap Ugg Boots - Good for good is natural, good for evil is manly.

Orbo - Found this web-site and card display while searching for the pb curly wire card holder. Hard to justify the pb cost but for my college bound daughter I thought it would make a great gift. I am thrilled to have found this alternative! So cute!! I am running to the craft store right now to pick out ribbon and get the mini clothes pins. Thank you so much for this economical and darling alternative.

Traci - Meg, I don’t know if you’ll ever see this comment, but I’ve read through so much of your blog today. I love it. So inspiring! Who needs a magazine when I have this? I love your style of decorating. Thank you 🙂

Al - I love it. For another good alternative try http://www.wirehomedecor.com/wirewalldecor

Brooke - oops….the below comment was for the “just a couple more” post….i do love this card display idea though!

Brooke - I absolutely love your crafts!!! Everything you create…too cute!! Especially all the clothes…I think 2009 will be the year I finally get a sewing machine and I will teach myself to sew if it kills me! http://www.chasing-fireflies.com/ <---This site is the closest thing I could find that sells clothes as cute as you make...however it is way too pricey for kids clothes...still fun to get ideas from though!

tracey - darn it, i wish i would have seen this post a few weeks ago! oh well, i am so using this idea next year. thanks for sharing!

inchmark - So beautiful and far better than what I tried this year, just taping them to the coat closet door. Now they are all covered in double stick tape and impossible to save the cards. I don’t know what I was thinking. Next year I’ll know better.

Anna - LOVE IT – I had this scary looking snowman thing someone gave me as a wedding gift, but it only held about 10 cards. I ended up just keeping them in a dish on the coffee table. I’ll try your idea next year!

Jamie Sampson - PB gets me too. All of their adorable little this and thats.

Amber - I’ve done this same thing over my desk to hang pictures and other happy things. I think it looks very cute. That’s a great way to display Christmas cards…who needs Pottery Barn? Love all your crafty items you shared too.

Wendy - I saw that and thought what a great idea you had. I will try and remember it and do a version of it here. Thanks for sharing! You always have adorable creations.

Kelly - It looks really great! I was privileged to be visiting in a home on Christmas Eve full of great style. They strung ribbon or twine or something from the corners of each dining room wall and the cards were hung over it right up by the ceiling. It was like lovely banners around the room. Kelly

MGF - Too funny. I really liked the idea when I saw a couple of post back. Thanks for letting us know how you did it.

Becca - I really love reading your blog. When I sit down and read your blog I feel as if I’m part of the family. (I know that sounds really werid). All the great pictures you share, all the great stories. I usually don’t read it for a whole week, and then sit down and read a bunch of post all at once. IT’s great.
Love your clothes pins idea. I’m going to do it next year. Thanks a bunch!

Aubrey - I like your idea and it I bet it’s so much easier to store than the wire thing. I’ve got to brave wal-mart for clothes pins. This would be a good idea for all the artwork my kids accumulate, though I wish I had fifty white cupboards like you do to display them. 🙂

jesse Peak - Pottery Barn should be jealous! Yours is so cute!

Jennifer P. - Next year Potterybarn will be selling rolls of grosgrain ribbon and packages of mini-clothespins for $69.00. 😉
I think your display is better than PB.

Shann - Hi Meg! I love this card idea…just like all your ideas…they are lovely! Can you refresh my memory? Did you have a post once with little bottle caps that you made with Christmas papers inside them and glitter and embelishments? I would love to make some and I really thought it was your idea…but I can not find that post. Was it you? Take care! Shann

sarah - Love it!
And I love Pottery Barn too, but like you, I just can’t afford most of the wonderful things.

clgarrett - i love me some pottery barn, but yes…they are so dang expensive! your display looks oh so nice! i may have to try that with some daily snap shots!
we are fortunate enough to have a PB outlet about an hour away…it’s pure job to walk in that store!

lee ann - I think that’s the whole purpose of a PB catalog…to steal ideas…..and to look at Target for the cheaper version. Love yours. I didn’t even hang mine this year. So sad. Next year though.

traci - that is so cute. much cuter than the pottery barn one. you are so creative.

Carrie - Meg-
I love it, and in the spirit of full disclosure I will be “stealing” this idea next year! 🙂
I love all of your fun ideas and money saving crafts.
Pottery Barn and I parted ways some time ago due to the high prices as well. It was a mutual thing, but sometimes I really miss PB. HA!

danyele - love when that happens! good on..and now, i will steal it for next year! thanks!

allison - I have the PB one and it sits under a bed in the guest room…lol! It’s a pain in the butt to hang because it scratches my newly painted walls (it moves when you change pics and cards), so I hung it on back of a door and it scratched that too:(
I made my own display too this year. Two pieces of velvet ribbon hanging vertical from a door (use thumb tacs) and then we just cut small slits in the cards and slid them on…yours seems easier with the clothes pins, I will remember that for next year:)

Queen of the Click - The cards look great in your display. If you have your heart on that Pottery Barn card holder, just wait until February. Last year I got it for 7.99 even after it left the site and then returned at a low price.

Leigh Ann - I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE yours, but I must admit that I got that curly wire photo holder from Pottery Barn on clearance last year. Even though I LOVE my PB one, I’m reconsidering now that I’ve seen yours.

lauren - you are so crafty and creative! i love your personal taste and style and always enjoy coming by your blog to see your pictures and what kind of fun stuff you are up to.
i found your blog through my sister-in-law (hipmomofboyz) blog and have been checking it out for the past few months.
just wanted to say that your family looks like so much fun and your kids are lucky to have such a cool mom! hope yall are enjoying the new year!
lauren

Lorilee - Meg,
I love it! I use little clothes pins painted green to pin my cards onto the greenery that I hang over one of our doorways. I also still have most of the Christmas cards we have ever received. I put them into ziplock bags and write the year on it with a sharpie. I keep them with the Christmas decorations. Now that many of the people who sent the cards have passed away, I can’t bear to even cut them up! I have framed a few(I put them into a large frame that I added handles to and use as a tray)
Blessings,
Lorilee

Kelly - love it

Christy - Love it! I noticed it on the other post too, thanks for posting the ingredients! I want to copy for next year. 🙂

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